The three pence coin ? expressed in writing as "3d" ? first appeared in England during the fine silver coinage of King Edward VI (1547?1553), when it formed part of a set of new denominations. Although it was an easy denomination to work with in the context of the old sterling coinage system, being a quarter of a shilling, initially it was not popular with the public who preferred the groat (four pence). Hence the coin was not minted in the following two reigns.